State of Origin 2016: Bunker makes the ultimate play

THE Bunker has been the most controversial $2million project in NRL history, and last night it showed why it is also one of the most important.

THE Bunker has been the most controversial $2 million project in NRL history, and last night it showed why it is also one of the most important.

Bunker boss Bernard Sutton could have spent the first 66 minutes of Origin I with his feet on the desk, enjoying the spectacle on one of the 40 televisions in the facility.

Then Sutton’s moment arrived.

Blues centre Josh Morris was swamped by four Maroons defenders as he lunged for the try-line, getting close enough for the 80,251 at ANZ Stadium to burst into raptures.

Josh Morris has a try disallowed from the bunker. Picture: Brett Costello

It looked close but more importantly, referee Gerard Sutton sent the on-field decision to The Bunker as a “try”.

There would have to be sufficient evidence for the decision to be overturned, and the Maroons to cling on to their 6-4 lead.

Three review officials in the bunker spent three minutes analysing 10 camera angles.

Then the proof. Morris had fallen millimetres short, with a desperate Queensland hand preventing the ball from touching the white line.

It was impossible to tell who that hand belonged to, but it was the most important play in a gripping game where defence was dominant.

A few minutes later, The Bunker intervened again, overturning a knock-on decision against Queensland centre Justin O’Neill deep in Maroons territory.

The $2 million investment delivered on rugby league’s biggest stage.